Tell your local MP Mel Stride what you think

Dear Constituent,

From March through to June 2016 over 600 residents of Central Devon responded to my survey asking for their views on a number of national and local issues.

The survey was also made available online and sent to more than 20,000 households and questions included views on the proposed second rail route via Crediton and Okehampton, the referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU, and the national benefits cap. I asked questions on both National and Local issues, allowing the chance to propose alternate areas for local and national improvement.

As now a Government Pairing Whip I am closely involved on frequent basis with the Treasury department, using this to pass on the feedback for National issues. This included the problems highlighted concerning over-immigration, an inefficient NHS, and the shortage of affordable housing.

My close links with the CCG have allowed me to address more in detail the problems regarding the local cottage hospital closures, working closely with this body to allocate funds more efficiently and sustainably. The government and I also hope to continue to increase the availability of affordable housing through our right-to-buy schemes and our investment into the housing sector, including the building of 200,000 new starter homes.

The proposed second rail network via Crediton, Okehampton and Tavistock was supported in overwhelming fashion (82% in favour of the route), which David Cameron has backed as the most resilient option. 73% also agreed with the government’s intention to carry out a new 7-day NHS, with just 15% rejecting the idea. On another note, local broadband and mobile signals were highlighted as a problem with only a small minority reporting this as good. As a result, I will continue to use my influence and expertise to help improve the infrastructure and local networks in the region to help improve the lives of my constituents.

I would like to thank everyone who made the effort in completing the survey and remember that if you feel that I can help in any way at all, please do get in touch.